This “State of Test Prep” blog, provided by the National Test Prep Association, is designed to keep you apprised of industry changes so you can continue to provide your students and communities with accurate information.
As we step into September 2024, the landscape of test preparation continues to evolve, driven by shifts in college admissions policies, emerging research, and the ongoing debate over the role of standardized testing. In this September edition of our blog, we explore key developments that are shaping the future of test prep and highlight the latest findings, institutional changes, and trends that professionals in the field should be aware of.
Table of Contents
- 1. The Return of Testing Requirements
- 2. Data-Driven Evidence from North Carolina
- 3. The Role of Merit Aid in College Admissions
- 4. Ongoing Research into Testing and Admissions
- 5. Grade Inflation and the Importance of Standardized Tests
- 6. Changes to the ACT: What You Need to Know
- Key Takeaways for Test Prep Professionals
- About the Authors
- References
1. The Return of Testing Requirements
One of the most notable shifts this year is the return of standardized testing requirements at several high-profile institutions. Stanford University made headlines in June 2024 when it announced a return to test-required admissions after a pandemic-era pause. According to Stanford’s official statement, the decision was driven by a belief that standardized tests offer a valuable metric to assess applicants’ academic potential, particularly in the context of high school grade inflation and inconsistencies in grading practices across schools.[1]
Following Stanford’s lead, Rice University also announced updates to its admissions processes, moving from a test-optional to a test-recommendation policy. Rice’s decision emphasizes the importance of standardized testing in providing a more equitable comparison across different educational backgrounds.[2]
2. Data-Driven Evidence from North Carolina
In North Carolina, recent data has sparked renewed debate over the value of test scores in college admissions. A June 2024 report from North Carolina State University and UNC-Chapel Hill demonstrated that students who submitted standardized test scores (ACT or SAT) performed better academically than those who did not, leading to calls for test-optional policies to be re-examined. For test prep professionals, this reinforces the argument that a strong ACT or SAT score remains a critical factor in helping students gain admission to top institutions and succeed once enrolled.[3]
3. The Role of Merit Aid in College Admissions
Another key trend in 2024 is the growing role of test scores in securing merit-based financial aid. A recent article by Jeffrey Selingo published in New York Magazine highlighted the practice of “undermatching,” where students apply to colleges where their SAT or ACT scores are significantly higher than the institution’s median. By doing so, these students can often secure generous merit scholarships, reducing the overall cost of attending college. For test prep professionals, this trend underscores the value of test preparation not only in college admissions but also in helping families lower the financial burden of higher education.[4]
4. Ongoing Research into Testing and Admissions
Several research studies released in the past year have furthered our understanding of the role standardized testing plays in college admissions. A 2024 paper by UC Santa Cruz professor Donald Wittman found that SAT scores were more predictive of student success at the University of California than high school grades. Wittman’s research also showed that SAT scores played an especially important role for socioeconomically disadvantaged students, suggesting that standardized testing can help level the playing field for students who may face systemic barriers in the college admissions process.[5]
Similarly, a working group at Dartmouth College concluded in January 2024 that standardized test scores are a critical tool for identifying high-achieving students from less advantaged backgrounds. Without the objective data provided by SAT and ACT scores, the group found that it was more difficult to assess students from schools with fewer resources, making test scores an essential component of a holistic admissions process.[6]
5. Grade Inflation and the Importance of Standardized Tests
One of the driving factors behind the renewed emphasis on standardized testing is the issue of grade inflation, which continues to grow across U.S. high schools. A National Center for Education Statistics report revealed that the percentage of high school students graduating with an “A” average has increased from 40% in 2010 to 55% in 2021. This rise in high grades makes it more difficult for colleges to distinguish top students from the broader pool, leading many institutions to emphasize SAT and ACT scores more.
For test prep professionals, this trend highlights the importance of helping students achieve high test scores, as grades alone may no longer be a reliable indicator of academic potential. Standardized tests provide a consistent metric that colleges can use to differentiate students, particularly as grade inflation erodes GPAs’ value.
6. Changes to the ACT: What You Need to Know
In addition to shifts in college admissions policies, 2024 has announced significant changes to the ACT. According to Marc Gray of our own National Test Prep Association, these changes reflect a growing effort to modernize the test while maintaining its role as a key tool for college admissions.[7]
Below are the most critical updates that test prep professionals should be aware of. Read the NTPA’s “Major Changes Coming to the ACT” article for a more detailed summary of the ACT changes.
Online Testing Format Expansion
The ACT is expanding its online testing options, allowing students to take the test on computers at official testing centers. While this option has been available internationally for a few years, it’s becoming more widespread in the U.S., offering students more flexibility and convenience. For many students, especially those accustomed to digital learning environments, the online format may provide a more comfortable testing experience. It should be noted that a paper and pencil version of the ACT will remain available to all students, which will continue to distinguish the ACT from the SAT.
Optional Science Section
The fourth section of the ACT will become optional. This section tests students’ knowledge of and proficiency in comprehending scientific concepts. Furthermore, there will be an increased number of questions that require students to utilize scientific knowledge not included in the passage.
More Time Per Question
ACT takers will be given more time per question in the Reading, English, and Math sections.
Faster Score Reporting
Students who take the ACT online can expect to receive their results within days, rather than the several weeks typically required for paper tests. This faster turnaround could prove crucial for students applying to colleges with rolling admissions or for those seeking to make last-minute decisions about where to apply.
Accommodations for Diverse Learners
The ACT is also updating its accommodation policies to better support students with disabilities. These changes include more flexible timing options and increased access to resources such as assistive technology. For students who require accommodations, these updates make the ACT a more inclusive and accessible test.
The ACT changes offer opportunities and challenges for test prep professionals. It will be essential to adjust tutoring strategies to help students achieve the best possible results in individual sections. For those working in test prep, staying updated with these changes will be crucial for helping students navigate this new landscape effectively.
Key Takeaways for Test Prep Professionals
- Increased demand for test prep: As more institutions revert to test-required or test-recommended policies, the demand for SAT and ACT preparation is expected to rise.
- Data supports the value of test scores: Recent research shows that standardized test scores are a strong predictor of college success and can help level the playing field for disadvantaged students.
- Grade inflation underscores the importance of testing: As high school grades become less reliable due to inflation, SAT and ACT scores provide colleges with a more consistent metric to assess applicants.
- Test scores and merit aid: High test scores can play a crucial role in securing merit-based financial aid, particularly for students who “undermatch.”
As the test prep landscape continues to evolve, staying informed about these trends will be key to helping students navigate the increasingly competitive college admissions process.
For updates, join our newsletter and keep checking the NTPA Blog.
About the Authors
Heather Krey has over two decades of experience in SAT and ACT preparation. She’s also World Class Tutoring’s leading test prep curriculum architect. Heather earned her bachelor’s degrees in engineering and psychology from Lehigh University and her M.Ed. degrees in Mathematics and Teaching from DeSales University and Kutztown University, respectively. She is certified in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and English and has taught roles at various Pennsylvania high schools. Heather has also worked as an adjunct professor at Cedar Crest College. Heather has been an NTPA member since its inception and is an active member of its blog committee.
David Blobaum co-founded and leads Summit Prep, a tutoring company with two centers in New Jersey that specializes in preparing students for the SAT and ACT. He graduated from the University of Chicago with honors from the college, and in his major, he received his Executive MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology. Since then, he has devoted himself to helping students succeed through education. He serves as the NTPA’s Director of Outreach to help highlight how academic standards can help students, schools, and society.
Marc Gray, owner of Odyssey College Prep and CEO of Powerful Prep, streamlines college admissions with advanced aptitude testing. An active blogger, he writes on college admissions, test prep, and aptitude testing. As Chair of the NTPA’s Blog Committee, he updates members on the latest in test prep, college admissions, aptitude testing, and community news.
References
[1] “Stanford to resume standardized test requirement for admissions.” Stanford Report, 7 June 2024, https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2024/06/stanford-to-resume-standardized-test-requirement. Accessed 11 September 2024.
[2] “Rice announces updates to application processes | Rice News | News and Media Relations | Rice University.” Rice News, 17 June 2024, https://news.rice.edu/news/2024/rice-announces-updates-application-processes. Accessed 11 September 2024.
[3] Robinson, Jenna A. ““Smoking-Gun” Data on North Carolina ACT Scores — The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal.” The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal, 6 June 2024, https://www.jamesgmartin.center/2024/06/smoking-gun-data-on-north-carolina-act-scores/. Accessed 11 September 2024.
[4] Selingo, Jeffrey. “The New Trick Families Are Using to Lower College Tuition Bills.” New York Magazine, 25 June 2024, https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/the-new-trick-families-are-using-to-lower-college-tuition.html. Accessed 11 September 2024.
[5] Wittman, Donald. (2024). The University of California Was Wrong to Abolish the SAT: Admissions When Affirmative Action Was Banned. Educational Measurement: Issues and Practice, 43, 10.1111/emip.12598.
[6] Report From Working Group on the Role of Standardized Test Scores in Undergraduate Admissions. 30 January 2024, https://home.dartmouth.edu/sites/home/files/2024-02/sat-undergrad-admissions.pdf.
[7] Gray, Marc. “Major Changes Coming to the ACT: What You Need to Know.” 22 July 2024, https://nationaltestprep.org/major-changes-coming-to-the-act-what-you-need-to-know/.
Last Updated on October 29, 2024 by Michael Jordan